Man sentenced to mental health facility in vandalism case

Monday

A Lake Township man will remain at mental health facility in vandalism case.

CANTON A man who set a Marlboro Township church on fire and vandalized numerous buildings in Stark County will remain in a mental health facility.

Last month, Richard D. Rhodes, 51, of Lake Township, was found not guilty by reason of insanity of aggravated arson, desecration, arson, vandalism and breaking and entering in Stark County Common Pleas Court.

He had faced several other charges stemming from a vandalism spree in late summer of 2017. Those charges were dismissed.

Stark County Assistant Prosecutor Joe Vance said those other charges couldn't have impacted the handling of the case because under an insanity plea and finding, the defendant can be sentenced only on the most serious charge.

Aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, is punishable by three to 11 years in prison. Given the court's finding, however, Rhodes wasn't facing prison time.

At Monday's hearing, Judge Taryn Heath accepted a report from a doctor at Heartland Behavioral Healthcare in Massillon, which recommended he remain at the facility. The placement legally represents the least restrictive setting consistent with public safety while meeting Rhodes' mental illness treatment needs.

Rhodes will be under the court's jurisdiction for 11 years. But "don't interpret that you'll stay at Heartland for 11 years," Heath explained to the defendant.

Sara West, a forensic psychiatrist at Heartland, said Rhodes has made significant improvements at the secure facility while taking medication.

"He's come a long way," West said. "He's a very bright man." West said Rhodes is "very committed to treatment."

West said Rhodes' family has been highly supportive of him.

From the defendant's court appearances, Heath said she's also noticed a "dramatic difference with Mr. Rhodes for the positive."

Heath agreed with West to place Rhodes on "level three," which means he will be allowed limited independence within the secure facility. Surveillance cameras also are posted within the facility.

Brad Iams, Rhodes' attorney, said if his client continues to progress he will be granted privileges to temporarily leave Heartland to visit family. There is no timeline for such a change in status, Iams said, noting ultimately Rhodes could be released from Heartland when deemed appropriate by staff and approved by Heath.

Vandalism victims

Iams said his client admitted to all the criminal offenses and allegations.

Rhodes faced more than 20 charges, including criminal damaging or endangering. The counts included both lower-level felonies and misdemeanors.

Some of the charges stemmed from an Aug. 27, 2017 fire at St. Nikolai Orthodox Church north of Louisville. Extensive damage was caused to the sanctuary, although the fire didn’t spread to other parts of the church.

Rhodes was accused of using a chain saw to cut down a crucifix at St. Nicholas Romanian Orthodox Church. He also was suspected of shooting at Hartville Hardware’s windows as well as firing several gunshots at a vehicle at the Ohio Highway Patrol post in Jackson Township.

Investigators had said Rhodes was believed to be linked to shots fired at Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles sites in Plain Township, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls. Other targets of Rhodes’ gunfire included windows at the DeHoff Realty building in North Canton, investigators said.

On Aug. 27, 2017, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in North Canton, the defendant spray-painted “Satan” on a sign and destroyed a banner, according to the county prosecutor’s office.

Reach Ed at 330-580-8315 or ed.balint@cantonrep.com

On Twitter @ebalintREP

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